Larsharae Hooker to now vie for State Title and Scholarship
Larsharae Hooker
She was once shy and reserved, but now Larsharae is a responsible, goal-oriented teen who was just named the 2012 Northwestern Mutual Foundation Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee. Next, Larsharae will compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the Wisconsin Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 college scholarship.
Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. As BGCA’s premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as overcoming personal challenges and obstacles. Youth of the Year encourages Club members to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles and contributing to their communities. Youth of the Year honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs.
“Larsharae’s story is very inspiring,” says Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee president & CEO Vincent Lyles. “Club members like her are able find their voice and build their confidence through the encouragement they get from our caring staff and from being actively involved in Club programs that instill the attitudes, skills, values and behaviors to necessary to succeed in life. We wish her much success at the Wisconsin Youth of the Year competition.”
“Since 2009, Northwestern Mutual Foundation has been a proud supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee’s Youth of the Year program,” John Kordsmeier, president of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation. “Larsharae serves as a wonderful example of how a child can overcome significant challenges and excel as a student, leader and role model. We are honored to partner with the Boys & Girls Clubs and recognize outstanding youth like Larsharae, and to help the community secure future generations.”